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Export Characteristics

This app enables exporting characteristics into an Excel file based on various criteria. The function can be accessed via the Fiori app "Export Characteristics" or transaction /NVC/MDM_EXPORT_CHAR.


Subsequently, the characteristics to be exported are to be selected. During the export process, it is irrelevant whether a characteristic is being edited by a user. The result of the export reflects the last state saved in the database.


The input mask is structured and operated as follows.

File Storage Section​

This section differs depending on whether the function is accessed via the Fiori Launchpad or SAP GUI.
When accessed via SAP GUI, the user can specify the storage location of the export file individually by entering a value in the "Folder" field. Alternatively, the path can also be specified using the input help of the field. Accessing this field prompts the file explorer for easier selection of the storage location. If this field is left blank in the selection screen, this information needs to be provided upon executing the export.


When accessed via the Fiori Launchpad, the exported file is generally stored in the user-specific download folder.


All other fields function the same way for both technologies.


The system suggests the file name "CHAR_EXPORT.xls" in the "Excel Filename" field by default. This can be replaced with a customer-specific file name. By activating the checkbox below labeled "Filename with Date/Time," a timestamp is added to the export file by the system.


The SAP standard specifies an Excel file format of ".xlm" for data extraction. To directly open this file in the Excel application afterward, it is given the file extension "xls". This format must be maintained to ensure that the exported file can be opened in the intended application. When opening the file, a prompt for data conversion will automatically appear, which should be confirmed with "yes".

Validity Section​

The validity field requires the date at which the respective characteristic is to be exported. By default, the system suggests the current date.

Characteristic Selection Section​

In this section, the characteristics to be exported are defined. The user has three different selection options available. Depending on the chosen option, the input fields for selection vary. Select one of the selection options using the radio button:

  • Characteristic Name: Selection can only be made based on characteristics.
  • Class: All characteristics assigned to the class will be included in the export. When selecting this option, entering a class type is mandatory.
  • Material: Characteristics assigned to all classes of materials will be included in the export.

The selection fields behave similarly to the SAP standard:

  • If a single entry is entered in the first field, selection is only performed for that entry.
  • Entering a value in the subsequent field selects all objects between the two selection criteria (from - to).
  • Additional selection criteria can be added using the "Multiple Selection" button to the right of the input fields, following the SAP standard.
  • Placeholder characters (e.g., asterisk) can be used in the input fields, following the SAP standard.

When selecting the criteria, ensure the scope of data to be selected is appropriate. If it is too extensive, it may burden the system.

Output Options Section​

In the bottom section of the selection screen, the scope of data to be exported can be defined. By activating the checkboxes, the scope can be controlled individually. If none of the options are activated, only the basic characteristic data will be exported. Upon initial function invocation, the checkboxes for Values and Value Descriptions are systemically activated as default.

  • Values: In addition to characteristic data, the values are also included in the export.
  • Value Descriptions: In addition to characteristic data and values, the descriptions (multilingual) can also be exported.
  • Characteristic Long Text: The long texts of the characteristic (multilingual) can be included in the export.
  • Long Text for Characteristic Values: The long texts of the characteristic values (multilingual) can be included in the export.

Once all parameters are entered, the export can be initiated by clicking the "Execute" button. The processing time may vary depending on the selected data. The user is shown the processing status upon starting the export process. Once the download is complete, this is indicated to the user in the information line.

Export Data Result​

Upon successful data export, the file is saved in the defined directory see point File Storage Section. The file can be accessed, for example, via Microsoft Excel. The structure of the export file contains all information about the characteristics provided by the SAP standard API interfaces. The generated export file can be used as follows:

  • For importing into other systems.
  • As a template for adjusting content and subsequently importing into the same or other systems.
  • As a template for creating new characteristics with subsequent import into the same or other systems.
  • Extending existing characteristics (values, descriptions, long texts) with subsequent import into the same or other systems.

The detailed description of the export structure is provided in Section Structure Import Export.